Oil prices rose Friday after Congress sent a complex tax cut extension package to President Barack Obama, bolstering hopes that demand for energy products will strengthen in the new year. Benchmark oil for January delivery rose 34 cents to $88.04 a barrel in midday trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange, AP reported. The president is expected to sign the bill Friday, extending tax cuts and jobless benefits. It also includes a one-year cut in Social Security taxes that would benefit nearly every worker.